Wednesday, July 15

As it turns out, crap doesn't magically grow legs and walk its way into boxes just because I will it to do so. It's very disappointing to learn that I don't possess ultimate control over inanimate objects, especially since that means I probably should make like a rat and pack. (Pack? Rat? Pack rat? Get it? HA! I slay me.) Tomorrow we will be loading everything we own into a big ol' truck, with the intention of closing on both houses Friday. Ultimately, we hope to be unloading all our crap Friday afternoon into the Newer! Bigger! House. Between now and then, though, is mucho work to do.

So, posting will be sparse for the next few days. Sparse as in, HELLO GUEST POSTS! And maybe photo posts. We shall see.

In the meantime, how about y'all write a post for me? For real. Could y'all be so kind as to leave a comment or two or ten for Miss Alexis? Tell her something you wish someone had told you before you had to learn it the hard way. Anything.

I'll start, and I'll even list five things I wish I had known sooner in life.

1. "Sleep like a baby" is perhaps the dumbest phrase ever invented. It should be "sleep like a teenager" because babies don't sleep. For what it's worth, neither do some toddlers and preschoolers. *cough*Alexis*cough*

2. Pittsburgh is the greatest city on Earth. There's no point in testing that theory, because that is a lesson I learned the hard way. Forget Minot, Cleveland, Akron, Los Angeles, Chicago, Plattsburgh, Boston, Atlanta, Alicante, London, Orlando, Steubenville, Raleigh, and everywhere in between. Pittsburgh is the place to be.

3. You're never to old to climb atop the highest slide you can find, close your eyes, and fly down that sucker.

4. Happiness is a choice, and you have to make up your mind to lead a life full of it. Nobody else can do that for you.

while you are moving and absent from the 'net, I will be on vacation with the inlaws. Five whole days in the Smoky Mtns with no internet access. Five whole days with my MIL, with barely a cell phone signal to twitter. *head desk*

Alexis - Keep smiling and dancing. Nothing like a tutu and some great music some dancing and a great sense of humor to lift your spirits on even the worst days.

I visited Pittsburgh once as a kid. It was so darn hot that I can't imagine living there. But if you say it's better than 80 degrees all summer and no bugs and eco-friendly, positive peopled Northwest.... then.... :) :)

Alexis:Chase your dreams not boys. I wish someone had told me this but boys don't like to be chased. They like to chase. If you are disinterested they will find you.

Embrace your hair. Hair can be a funny thing with us girls - we want it to be something that it isn't and it leads to a lot of bad haircuts, bad dye jobs, bad bangs (need I say more?). Fighting waves and curls or trying to add them is futile.

Sit in the third row of classes - it's the perfect location to not look to eager but you're close enough to be forced to pay attention.

When your car is overheating turn on the heat and roll down the windows - it helps long enough to get you to a safe pull off.

1. Your mommy knows everything. All mommies know everything. My mom told me this a long time ago and it is true. Even when your mom seems like she doesn't know anything, remember that she actually knows everything. Also, mommies are always right. When you are a mommy you'll understand.

2. Don't plan your life around a boy. If the boy is worth it, he will fit to your plan. If he insists that you plan your life around him, he is not worth it and doesn't deserve you.

3. Don't mess with Mother Nature. She's a smart cookie, that one. She's a mother. She knows everything, and she's bigger than you. Don't mess with her. Love that she gives you pretty flowers, sunny days, and puddles to splash in, and she'll send you more flowers, sunny days and puddles. She's cool like that.

4. Oh ya, and Pittsburgh is a wonderful place. It is your home and it will always be your home. Explore the world, see the sights, but don't forget your home. You're a Burgh girl, little lady. And you always will be. No matter where you go, or how far you roam, Pittsburgh and the people here that love you will always welcome you home.

Always have girl friends. Don't have girl friends who play games with you, though -- have real girl friends who will be there for you when the boy breaks your heart (it will probably happen at least once), who will laugh with you (not at you), who will support you and not judge you. You probably won't find these friends until high school or college (if you're lucky, both). They will be your friends forever, regardless of marriage, children, and distance.

1. You can judge a worthy man by how he treats his mother and grandmother. If he loves and respects her without letting her run his life, he will love and respect you without being a weak-willed weanie.

2. If you're going to consume something every day, it might as well be good. Don't drink crappy coffee. However, don't drink that $60/lb coffee that was 'pre-treated' by a cat's digestive system. That's just weird.

1. Pittsburgh will always be home, but go and see as much as you can. You can really learn a lot about yourself when you're 4000 miles from home, don't have a cell phone and can't speak the local language.

2. Don't let anyone tell you high school is the best four years of your life. If you've already had the best four years of your life by the time you're 18, that's really pretty sad. Try and make every year one of the best of your life.

3. Remember that the vast majority of things that are SO important now (when you're old enough to be reading this) won't be in a week, a month, or a year.

4. You're never too old to nap.

5. Mom's hugs can put the world back in order when everything seems upsidedown and backwards. Get as many of those hugs as you possibly can.

1) no matter how "laura ingalls like" you will one day feel your mom dresses you- (because most of us go through this) try to see your mom for the amazing woman she is, always. Even when you are mad at her. (because most of us forget to do this.)

2 - Explore the world for a bit at some point (right after college is a good fit), it will make you appreciate your family more when you move closer again (and you should definitely move back)

3 - Go to a college at least 2 hours away from home, it will force you to make new friends and find new experiences. Especially boys - don't remain attached to a high school boyfriend while you are at a different college - this usually ends in heartache.

4 - Don't change yourself to be someone that you think others want you to be - you will end up not liking yourself in the end - believe me on this one. Be confident in who you are!

5 - Give new activities and sports a serious try and if you don't like it, it really is ok to quit and do something that you really love. You don't have to continue because one of your friends is involved.

6 - High school girls (well girls in general) can be mean - it's not you it's them.

2. When you love someone, love them with every ounce of your body. And know that doing so will probably break your heart at least once, but you will grow and learn and become so much stronger for having done so.

3. Stand-up for what you believe in.

4. If it is wet and it didn't come from you, don't touch it.

5. Don't waste time with regrets - it is never to late to make a change.

1. Let all that you do be done in love.2. You cannot control other people, only YOUR reaction to those people (this has saved my sanity and my marriage multiple times in recent years).3. It's true: You're never too old for naps, but you can sleep when you're old! Live as much as you can while you're young!4. Smile as much as you can. Even if you don't feel like it for yourself, pass it along to someone else. There is ALWAYS someone who has it worse than you. And your smile? Is infectious!5. Take pictures. Of yourself. Of those you love. And if you're ever at Disney World (or other touristy place), offer to take a picture for the person holding the camera for a group - so they can be included. You won't be sorry.

Never eat a bag of sour cream and onion chips and drink a carton of chocolate milk together on one night. It will make you VERY sick. I learnt this the hard way when I was about eight years old and thirty odd years later I still remember it.

Oh, and no matter what your Mom tells you, Toronto, Canada is where you want to be.:)

Alexis, I am going to let you in on a few secrets that my mother NEVER told me! Well, she did after the fact! 1) Enjoy school. Be a popular nerd. Be kind to everyone and do not stop at High school. You go Girl! Go to University (right away..don't wait...go right after High school)I don't think I can stress this enough to my little Hannah. I waited. I am now 31 years old going to college. It is WAY harder! Read your books, dont just skim for answers..Its amazing how much more you learn when you read! If your friends are talking bad about someone else..point out something good about them..all of them..enject positivity wherever you can..and if someone is talking bad about you...They are Jealous! Take comfort in knowing that you are better than that and who wouldn't be a little jealous of you right! 2) Boys. Oh Alexis! There is plenty of time in life to worry about boys! Do not ever settle for anything less than what is perfect for you. And when you are dating a boy and something in your guts tells you that something just isn't right...RUN...don't stick around. Dont ever date a boy just cause he's cute! This never works! Boys and men should work..If they lose a job..they should be out searching day 1 and should be pounding the pavement till he gets a new job. Don't date a slacker! I tell Hannah now that Ambition is so much cuter! His ambition and drive for success is what will help to take care of you...not his killer abs. Give that little less attractive than Brad Pitt (You'll read about him in some history book one day) guy a chance. 3) Be yourself. Dont ever try to change for someone. You will learn alot about this in High school. Don't conform to what everyone else is doing..do what you want to do. From what your mommy tells us everyday..You are fantastic just the way you are! Your mom will rasie you well and you'll know what is right from wrong..Listen to her! She knows! You may not think she gets you at times or she just doesn't understand...but Alexis, she does! Talk openly with her. (Even about the embarrassing stuff) More than likely your mom experienced the same thing and will be able to give you guidence. Always have an open and honest relationship with your mom and dad..Oh! and don't try to pit those two against each other...They are smarter than that. If mom says no, don't run to dad, you're mom has already gotten to him.

She may never need this advice, but just in case... Potty training boys is REALLY hard. Don't force it, don't get overly upset about it, don't try to be on anyone else's time-line as to when it "SHOULD" happen. Just do the best you can with it know that it WILL eventually happen. (p.s. this could possible be applied to a few other things in life...) : )

Your mama's probably right about Pittsburgh being the best place to live, but I must amend it. First, live someplace you've always thought would be the most exciting place on earth. I don't mean Orlando and the Mouse - been there, done that. Once you're tired of living someplace you THOUGHT would be exciting, THEN move back where you're close to family and friends. Never underestimate living close to people who love you.

1. Your parents are awesome. There will be many times, especially during high school, when you wonder how you ended up with these parents - they are too strict, old school, boring, etc - but once you are grown up you will realize they are awesome and the most influential people in your life.

2. Don't care about what other people think of you. This will be very hard in high school. But seriously, the people that were carefree and always thought you have to grow old, but not grow up - everyone else envies them. So be like that. Continue to see the world through the eyes of child throughout your life.

3. Pittsburgh is awesome. It has community, great food, and great sports teams. Even if the Pirates don't win as often as we would like, I lived in a city with no pro sports teams for 3.5 yrs and it was awful. Don't take that for granted. And everyone always wants to leave Pgh and once they do, they try their hardest to get back. Just do yourself a favor and don't leave. (well, college doesn't count. But when its time to grow up and get a job - don't leave the burgh just because...)

-Remember that while you can't always decide or change the circumstances or situations, you CAN decide how you react. Being positive is a choice.

I'm still trying to apply that one to my life all the time.

1) You're never to old to act your shoe size...

2) But don't be stupid.

3) If you're good at something and like doing it then by all means continue doing it. Don't worry what other people say about you. (unless the thing you're doing is illegal, then you better stop before your mom finds out)

4) Random acts of kindness for family/friends/strangers work wonders for the soul

5) What's done is done. Don't fret over it but never forget. Your past is who you are. Grow from it.

You won't understand this until you are a mom yourself, but believe me: Moms can fix everything. Even if she can't really fix it, just telling her about your problem will make you feel better. And while you might be overwhelmed by that thought when you're a mom, it's humbling and wonderful too - knowing you can fix everything with just a hug. Pure magic.

Don't be afraid to be smart. NEVER dummy yourself down for anyone. Smart chicks always win in the end.

You're never too "grown-up" to have fun. Laugh always. Listen to children. Don't be afraid to admit you're wrong.